With countless households becoming more aware of their carbon footprints, there’s little wonder as to why going green has caught on over the last decade. Additionally, contrary to popular misinformation, a greener home doesn’t have to be financially burdensome or require people to make sweeping changes to their daily routines. When it comes to reducing your family’s carbon footprint, a little bit of effort and a willingness to embrace change can go a long way. Anyone interested in making their home greener on a budget should put the following pointers into practice. *This post contains affiliate links.
Buy Organic Products
There’s little wonder as to why organic products have become such a hit in recent years. For starters, organic fruits and vegetables typically contain far fewer pesticides than regular produce. Secondly, organic grooming products contain very few chemicals in comparison to their mass-produced counterparts. Thirdly, since many household cleaning products are awash in harmful chemicals, organic cleaners can be a boon to families with small children or pets. (This isn’t to say organic cleaners are safe to ingest, however.)
So, if anyone in your household is sensitive to pesticides or commonplace chemicals, going organic may very well prove a worthwhile endeavor. Additionally, companies that make organic products often use recycled materials in the creation of their packaging.
Produce, grooming essentials and cleaning products aren’t the only things you can organic variations of. For example, if you’re in the market for new furniture or decor, look for tables, chairs, sofas and bed-frames made from reclaimed and/or recycled materials. Furthermore, eco-conscious individuals who value a good night’s sleep should look into purchasing a comfy, affordable Avocado Green Mattress.
You can also choose organic or eco-friendly textiles and decor, such as washable organic slipcovers, pillow covers, curtains or sheets.
Eco-Friendly Lighting via Etsy
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Avoiding single-use plastics is a fantastic way to diminish the size of your household’s carbon footprint. While this may strike some families as a difficult prospect, bidding farewell to single-use plastics such as utensils or straws is much easier than you may think.
12 Reusable Bamboo Straws – 5 to 9 Inches – Biodegradable And Dishwasher-Safe
For example, instead of drinking bottled water, simply invest in a decent water filter and some reusable water bottles. Similarly, if you insist on using straws, purchase reusable ones or buy water bottles with straw attachments. When it comes to grooming, steer clear of disposable razors. Instead, invest in a high-quality razor and swap the blades out as needed.
Preserve POPi Shave 5 Razor System Made with Recycled Ocean Plastic, Charcoal Grey
Although sealable bags can be effective food storage tools, they generally can’t be reused, so you’re better off with food containers made of durable plastic or glass.
Go Paperless
In decades past, going paperless would have been an unrealistic prospect. However, with advances in technology and fundamental changes in the way media is consumed, it’s never been easier to limit the amount of paper that comes into your home. Although you’ll always need physical copies of certain documents – birth certificates, marriage certificates, deeds to homes, etc. – parting ways with print media has never been simpler.
Voracious readers can save both money and space by investing in good e-readers and tablet computers. Virtually any book you wish to read can be purchased in digital form, with many newer titles being available exclusively as e-books. Additionally, if there are any newspapers, magazines or other print publications you like to stay current with, opt for digital subscriptions over physical ones.
Fire 7 Tablet (7″ display, 16 GB) – Plum
Reduce Water Use
The average American household uses a substantial amount of water, and while water usage is essential to various daily tasks, we often waste this precious resource without realizing it. Easy ways to reduce water use include installing water-conserving showerheads, purchasing water-saving toilets, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and placing strict limits on how much water is used for lawn and garden purposes.
Investing in an energy-efficient washing machine and only running said device with full loads of clothing can help reduce both water usage and power costs. Purchasing a water-conserving dishwasher can produce similar results, as washing dishes by hand is not only considerably more cumbersome, it also uses a lot more water.
Organic Brooklyn apartment designed for zero waste via Apartment Therapy
Creating a greener home doesn’t have to be inconvenient, challenging or strenuous on your finances. Some small lifestyle changes and a passion for learning new things can prove instrumental in the creation of a greener household. Families who are eager to do their part for the environment – and their pocketbooks – can benefit from taking the measures discussed above.
How are you taking measures to go green and reduce your carbon footprint? I love hearing from you, dear readers! Thanks for visiting today!
Amber
No Comments